Physical Comparison: The P&C Vector® feed system offers less interference with existing structures and typically has a smaller diameter than its equivalent standard feedwell counterpart. Because of its smaller diameter and wear resistant urethane components, it is also much lighter. Figure 7 presents a visual comparison of the Vector® feed system and an equivalent standard feedwell with a similar duty.

Process Comparison: Installing a more efficient feed system can not only improve performance but can also reduce operating costs. P&C recently installed two Vector® feed systems for a leach concentrate and a flotation tailings thickener. Both thickeners were operating poorly with froth build-up on the surface, dirty overflow causing blockages, excessive flocculant consumption, low underflow densities and very poor control. On the concentrate duty the froth build-up and dirty overflow resulted in a loss of valuable concentrates, if not immediately captured it would recirculate back to the mill where it would be over-ground and lost in flotation.